Manya Avadani
Retired Professional Engineer, Road Runner, Tennis Enthusiast

These words only scratch the surface to describe this 80 year-old Energizer Bunny. Winning his first doubles tournament while in school in his native India and picking up tennis again at age 28 after his arrival in the U.S. set the stage for his serious involvement in tennis starting in 1979. Relocating to the perfect climate of the Bay Area and joining the Sunnyvale Tennis Club allowed Manya to enjoy playing and winning STC Tournaments, to participate on winning USTA teams and to organize club events. For several years, Manya volunteered his services to organize social tennis on the first weekend of every month. He felt strongly about providing a forum for players to get acquainted. The past 15 years has also seen Manya as the main organizer of an informal group of Sunday morning players who have enjoyed his efforts in bringing them together.

Manya is still avidly playing tennis 3 times a week, but sometimes takes time off to see the world, attend Grand Slam Tournaments (Wimbledon, U.S. Open, Australian Open) and run 5 and 10 K events. His proud moments in running were 8 years ago at age 72, taking first place in his age group for 5 k (35 minutes) and 3 years ago at age 77 running his best time for a 10k (1 hour, 6 minutes) and again winning 1st place in his age group. He keeps his "Energizer Bunny" status and stays in shape for tennis by running in a sponsored 10k every month and a 5k every Saturday on his own. This "iron man" approach to life should inspire us all.